Electronic Paper Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A system for electronically dispensing paper includes an upper compartment. The upper compartment includes a feeder and a motion sensor in communication with the feeder, wherein the motion sensor triggers the feeder to dispense the paper. The system includes an adjustable telescoping pole connected to the upper compartment, wherein the adjustable telescoping pole comprises a height adjuster button for adjusting the height of the electronic paper dispenser. A base is connected to the adjustable telescoping pole, wherein the base stabilizes the electronic paper dispenser.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to the field of paperdispensing.

BACKGROUND

There are various types of toilet paper guards and savers on the market,which are targeted toward abuse of toilet paper by pets, or the misuseof toilet paper by young children. The guards and savers appear to besimple devices that attach directly to the toilet paper roll and eitherlock to limit unraveling or obstruct to protect from generaldestruction. Some of the existing complaints include these productsbeing cumbersome (e.g., relating to attaching and reattaching to allowadults to freely use) and unsanitary because they are constantly beingtouched before and after bathroom use. Also, if an older child or adultforgets to reapply the guard to the toilet paper roll after use, theyrisk a toddler coming into the bathroom and overusing and/or playfullyunraveling the paper before it can be affixed again.

The embodiments seek to provide an easy-to-use tool that will not onlyserve as an obstructing device reducing overall excess waste but willdually aid in training young children how to use proper amounts oftoilet paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments generally relate to a system for electronicallydispensing paper. The system may include an upper compartment. The uppercompartment may include a feeder and a motion sensor in communicationwith the feeder, wherein the motion sensor triggers the feeder todispense the paper. An adjustable telescoping pole may be connected tothe upper compartment, wherein the adjustable telescoping pole comprisesa height adjuster button for adjusting the height of the electronicpaper dispenser. A base may be connected to the adjustable telescopingpole, wherein the base stabilizes the upper compartment and theadjustable telescoping pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts the system according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a back panel of the system.

FIG. 3 depicts a back panel of the system.

FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of the system according to one moreembodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts perspective view and adjustable range of the adjustabletelescoping pole according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the battery compartment.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to beunderstood that the apparatus is not limited to the particularembodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 presents the perspective view of a system (10) for electronicallydispensing paper. The system will include an upper compartment (12), anadjustable telescoping pole (9 a) with a height adjuster (9 b) and abase for stabilizing (14). The system may have multiple levels offunctionality and operational control. The product will be made ofshock-proof, child-safe materials which may include non-toxic foam,rubber or plastic to prevent damage and choking hazards, while alsoallowing for easy clean-up and sanitizing. In addition to the presentform factor, the product may be offered (over time) in a series ofvarying shapes, sizes, colors and character designs.

FIG. 2 shows the back panel of the system. The back panel may contain arear door (7) with a latch (20) that locks into place and gives accessto the upper compartment that houses all electronics and the toiletpaper roll.

In embodiments, the back panel contains a power controller (1). Thepower controller (1) may be a power on/off push button/switch. Poweringthe product on requires pressing or a button (or a flipping of aswitch). Pressing the push button down for one to two seconds powers thesystem to an on state, triggering the motion sensor readiness, as wellas, lights and sounds. In embodiments, the product may go into a sleepmode between uses. Additionally, pressing the push button for one to twoseconds may allow the unit to be completely shut down if it is not beingused, which conserves the battery and ensures no unwanted paper isdispensed.

FIG. 3 shows an open back panel view of the product once the rear door(7) and latch (20) have been unlocked. To open the rear door (7), theuser may squeeze on the latch (20) to unclasp and gain access to theinner compartment (2). In embodiments, the latch (20) may be built withchild safety in mind to prevent injury to children. To close the reardoor (7) the user will raise the door back up and push the latch back toits original position until they hear it click back into place, lockingthe device.

In embodiments, the inner compartment (2) may have a sheet indicatorswitch (18). The sheet indicator switch (or button) allows a parent orguardian to pre-set the number of toilet paper sheets that will dispenseat one time from the system. The sheets setting can range from 2 to 10sheets. To prevent sheet from dispensing unintentionally, the system maypause for five to ten seconds and then reset for the next use.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the electronic paper dispenser. Thesystem may include an upper compartment (12) and an adjustabletelescoping pole stand (9 a) with height adjuster (9 b).

In embodiments, the upper compartment includes the inner compartment(2), which contains a housing space for the roll of paper and the paperfeeder/exit (6). To access the upper compartment, the user must open therear door (7) by releasing the latch (20). Once the door is opened, thesystem may be automatically deactivated to keep the mechanism fromfunctioning. In embodiments, an arm may be connected to the door, whichseparates a pair of rollers (16 a, 16 b), providing an opening forfeeding the paper through feeder/exit (6). The roll of paper may then beplaced into the inner compartment (2). In embodiments, one sheet ofpaper may be fed through the opening between the pair of rollers. Uponclosing the rear door, the rollers are lowered, holding the paper intoposition; and the device is reactivated and ready for dispensing.

In embodiments, the system (10) may be tested by actively waving infront of the motion sensor, triggering the dispensing of a preset numberof sheets.

In embodiments, the upper compartment (12) may include a cutting device(not shown). The cutting device is located in the inner compartment (2)of the upper compartment (12) and between safety barriers to assistdetach the paper from the roll. In embodiments, the cutting device maybe placed in a location, which prevent the injuries. In embodiments, thecutting device may cut completely through the paper or partially,leaving the paper to loosely hang from the mechanism in a manner that iseasy to tear free.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the system, which contains the interactiveportions of the product. The nose may contain the motion sensor (3)which will detect passive motion and active waving—with up close, activewaving, serving as the trigger the feeder (6) for paper dispensing. Asthe paper exits the feeder (6), lights (5) may illuminate the paper. Thelights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). Additionally, audio speakers(4) may project sound. The audio speakers (4) may be located in the roofof the mouth. The lights and the sound may with turn off once thedispensing is complete.

FIG. 6 presents the perspective view and adjustable range of theadjustable telescoping pole (9 a) with height adjuster (9 b) and base(14). In embodiments, the adjustable telescoping pole is shown loweredto a minimum height and raised to a maximum height.

In embodiments, the height may be extended by compressing the heightadjuster (9 b). The height adjuster may be a button. In embodiments, asmall metal lock pin (not shown) may be located behind and connected tothe height adjuster. The lock pin may be a valco or other suitablesystem. Upon compression of the height adjuster, the lock pin may slipinto an adjustable telescoping pole (9 a), allowing the user to raisethe top portion of the unit until desired height setting is reached. Thelock pin may be placed into a notch (height holes) to securely set theheight of the adjustable telescoping pole to the desired height setting.To lower, the user may compress the height adjuster on the lower back ofthe adjustable telescoping pole, lowering the top of the unit to itsdesired height setting. The adjustment ranges from 18 inches to 24inches (from bottom of base to top of mouth opening). When the device isnot in use, the user may be lowered to a minimum height for more compactstorage.

FIG. 7 shows the perspective view of the battery compartment (11)located in the base of the product. The preferred power source is aLithium 3V battery (or similar). Lithium batteries are known for longshelf life, low temperature operation, high operating voltage andleakage resistance, which are all important factors for a child'sproduct. For better protection, the battery compartment can only beaccessible by using a Phillips head screwdriver. With said screwdriver,the user can open the compartment, remove the small cover, add orreplace the battery and lock the lid back in place. Other battery typeswill be considered at build based on final electronics requirements. Anywires used to power the upper portion of the product will run through acenter compartment within the telescoping stand. Enough space will beleft to allow for the power chords to shrink and stretch within thattubing space. Placing the batteries in the base of the product waspreferred to allow for additional weight and stability toward the lowerhalf of the product, increasing safety and minimizing the ability to tipover. Shape and size were also considered to ensure safety while in use.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for electronically dispensing papercomprising: a. an upper compartment, comprising; (i) a feeder; and (ii)a motion sensor in communication with the feeder, wherein the motionsensor triggers the feeder to dispense the paper; b. an adjustabletelescoping pole connected to the upper compartment, wherein theadjustable telescoping pole comprises a height adjuster button foradjusting the height of the electronic paper dispenser; and c. a baseconnected to the adjustable telescoping pole, wherein the basestabilizes the electronic paper dispenser.
 2. The electronic paperdispenser of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment comprises a powercontroller.
 3. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 2, wherein thepower controller includes a push button.
 4. The electronic paperdispenser of claim 2, wherein the power controller includes a switch. 5.The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor isconfigured to detect the motion of a user.
 6. The electronic paperdispenser of claim 4, wherein the motion sensor is activating by swipingacross the sensor.
 7. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe upper compartment further comprises an inner compartment, andwherein the inner compartment comprises a sheet indicator switch forsetting the number of sheets, dispensed per swipe motion.
 8. Theelectronic paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a securebattery compartment.
 9. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1,further comprising a light emitting system and audio speakers, whereinthe light emitting system and audio speaker are activated as the paperis dispensed.